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2008 Ford Expedition
2008 Ford Expedition
Size Matters
Ford's Expedition SUV includes an extended-length model aimed at those for whom size is an important consideration.
Ford's largest SUV, the Expedition, remains unashamedly big and bold for buyers who require a voluminous and powerful truck that's capable of serious towing, hauling, and people moving. An extended-length version, the Expedition EL, competes with Chevrolet's Suburban and GMC's Yukon XL. As The Ford Expedition shares platforms, powertrains, and components with its upscale sibling, the Lincoln Navigator.
The Ford Expedition EL is 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition and rides on a wheelbase that’s a foot longer. It seats as many as eight passengers and has 24 cubic feet more cargo space behind the third-row seat than the conventional-length Expedition, for a total of 130.8 cubic feet.
Ford Expedition Vehicle Summary
Exterior styling has been freshened, though it remains familiar. Evolutionary changes include a new dual-beam headlamp design, a bolder three-bar front grille that takes its cues from Ford's F-Series pickup and a raised "power-dome" hood. The Ford Expedition EL offers its own bodywork from the windshield rearward, and while it’s not that much different in appearance, it does have unique running boards, rear bumper, roof rack, rear-quarter glass, and larger rear doors. Massive 20-inch, six-spoke chrome rims are among the five available wheel designs.
The truck’s 5.4-liter V8 engine carries over from the previous generation and continues to channel 300 hp and 365 pound-feet of torque to the rear or all four wheels. Towing capacity is a maximum of 9,100 pounds. An updated six-speed automatic transmission is standard and a welcome improvement over the prior generation’s antiquated four-speed gearbox. The transmission improves both fuel economy and performance. The Expedition's chassis, commandeered from the current F-Series pickup, is 10 percent stiffer than the prior version’s, and promises a smoother and quieter ride. The suspension includes a fully independent rear setup. Heavy-duty trucks traditionally have a solid rear axle, which can better handle serious towing, hauling, and off-road duties, but make for a rougher ride.The steering system is designed to reduce turning effort. As before, you can expect the softly sprung suspension to effortlessly soak up bumps and potholes. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard; the system is revised to provide shorter stopping distances with improved pedal feel and greater control.
Ford's AdvanceTrak stability control with a rollover-detection system is now standard and a welcome feature on such a large and lumbering beast. Front-side and side-curtain airbags are now included across the line. The latter deploy when sensors detect an impending rollover and stay inflated for a few seconds in case the vehicle flips multiple times.
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Available in rear- and four-wheel-drive versions, the Ford Expedition’s 4WD system includes low-range gearing to tackle extremely rough terrain and can be fitted with an optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability, which is controlled from a dashboard-mounted knob. Both the standard and extended EL models are offered in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trims. A redesigned interior features revised seats, with heating and cooling functions available on the front two. The driver’s seat can move back to comfortably accommodate motorists up to 6 feet 4 inches tall.The second-row seat moves fore and aft and the seat backs are split 40/20/40. They fold flat for added cargo-carrying flexibility. A power-folding third-row seat and power rear liftgate are optional.The Ford Expedition comes well equipped, even in base XLT form, and includes an auxiliary jack to connect iPods and other portable audio devices to the stereo system. Noteworthy available features include power heated/cooled leather seats, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and a back-up radar system to help make parking this giant a bit easier. The available navigation system has an improved touch-sensitive color display and can be operated by voice.
You need to carry as many as eight passengers and/or haul or tow heavy loads; you frequently drive over rough terrain; you don't care about fuel economy; you have a large garage.
You prefer smaller, more economical vehicles and don't need to haul or tow heavy loads or go off-road.
Choose the Ford Expedition EL if you need to transport more than five passengers in comfort.
Power-operated tailgate; Power-folding third-row seats; heated seats; back-up radar system for parking.
Even when gasoline sold for $1.50 a gallon, Ford's full-size Expedition SUV was the poster child for environmental unfriendliness, given its size and gas-guzzling ways. It was also one of the automaker's most profitable vehicles and helped keep the company in the black at a time when its car sales were lagging, just as the Tahoe and Yukon did for Chevrolet and GMC, respectively.
An even larger and less popular sibling was sold through the 2005 model year as the Ford Excursion; it has now been reborn as the Expedition EL, and for the first time has a Lincoln equivalent, the Navigator L.
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